10 items on 49ers to-do list over final four games of 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Keep Up the Pass-Rushing Prowess
It’s never a bad idea for a team to rely heavily on its No. 1 strength. On the defensive side of the ball, this is the pass rush.
The 49ers were held to just one sack in Week 13. But against a mobile quarterback in Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson, that’s partially understandable.
Despite the lowish number from the game, the Niners still rank second in sacks with 45. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead was the first San Francisco defender to reach 10 sacks on the season, and he could soon be joined by fellow pass-rushers Nick Bosa (8.0), DeForest Buckner (6.5) and Dee Ford (6.5).
This is a number which could see a spike against the Saints in Week 14, too, as New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees isn’t exactly mobile within the pocket. Neither is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, whom the 49ers face in Week 15.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff is slightly mobile, and the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson needs little introduction here.
Still, the 49ers defense is riding the laurels of its pass rush, and that shouldn’t change over the final four weeks.